Hello Songwriters!
You're nice.

You're . . . niiiice.    

You're nice!

Two words can have many different interpretations. In conversation, we are wizards at interpreting the meaning behind what a person says. We take in the words, the tone of voice, and the body language of the speaker to interpret what is said. There are studies that suggest that as much (or more) of meaning in communication comes through non-verbal cues like tone of voice and body language.

As the old saying goes, it's not what you say, but how you say it.

The same is true for songwriting, and in these three videos on phrasing Pat goes into detail on how to create the musical parallel to body language and tone of voice. He says that in songs, if melody provides the nouns, and chords are the adjectives, the phrasing of a song is its body language.

You can use your awareness of which beat you start your line on, or which words you choose to place on "spotlighted" beats to create different colors, or body languages, for your song. This will affect how your audience hears your song - or if they even listen your song. Finding the phrasing that reflects what you want to say can make all the difference.

Phrasing, Part 1: Front Heavy, Back Heavy Lines
Pat Pattison
(0:46:56)

Phrasing, Part 2: Strong Bar, Weak Bar
Pat Pattison
(0:27:32)

Phrasing, Part 3: Number of Bars
Pat Pattison
(0:23:34)

Here are a few additional videos about phrasing that you might enjoy.

Phrasing - Quick Tip
Steve Seskin

The Emotional Consequences of Phrasing - Part 1
The Emotional Consequences of Phrasing - Part 2
Pat Pattison


Have fun!

Warmest wishes,